Summer barbecues, cookouts, and picnics call for simple, easy-to-eat desserts, especially cookies since they can held in the hand and no plate or silverware is needed. There are several patriotic holidays during the summer, and it’s nice to make these Red, White, & Blueberry Oatmeal Drops to celebrate. They are very quick and simple, and they start with an easy-to-make, versatile Basic Oatmeal Cookie Mix which can be made a month or two ahead and kept on the pantry shelf. Dried cherries, dried blueberries, and chunks of white chocolate are added to the dough, as well as eggs and vanilla; the dough can be mixed up in about 5 minutes. Since they are drop cookies, they can be scooped quickly onto baking sheets, and no special shaping or rolling is needed. The entire batch can be finished in less than an hour, including clean-up. That’s pretty good for homemade cookies.
Summertime often means Homemade Ice Cream; make it in one of those inexpensive automatic ice cream makers, or freeze it in an old-fashioned freezer like Grandma did – these yummy cookies will complement it nicely. They keep well, can be made ahead, are nice to keep in the cookie jar, and will become a summertime favorite.